Mohammed Idris urges ethical journalism to shape Northern Nigeria’s future
Oru Leonard
Kano, Nigeria — The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on media professionals across Northern Nigeria to uphold ethical, balanced and responsible journalism, stressing that the region’s future depends as much on the stories told about it as on physical development.
Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit in Kano on Monday, Idris said the media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion, attracting investment, preserving culture, strengthening democracy and fostering national unity.
“The future of Northern Nigeria will not be determined only by the quality of our roads, our farms or our industries. It will also be shaped by the quality of our ideas and the stories we tell about ourselves,” the minister said.
Speaking on the summit’s theme, Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice, Idris said democracy thrives when government remains accountable, citizens participate responsibly and the media performs its constitutional role with professionalism, fairness and integrity.
He expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age, noting that professional journalism is now more important than ever.
“Falsehood often travels faster than truth. Credible journalism must continue to stand for accuracy, fairness, verification and responsibility,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to press freedom, saying the Federal Government would continue to provide an enabling environment for journalists to carry out their duties professionally.
Idris also urged journalists to present a more balanced narrative of Northern Nigeria by highlighting the region’s achievements alongside its challenges.
“Northern Nigeria is far more than insecurity. It is home to entrepreneurs, farmers, innovators, researchers, artists and young people transforming their communities every day,” he said.
Highlighting the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister cited major infrastructure projects, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and investments in rail, energy and logistics as initiatives driving economic growth, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
He also announced progress under the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, including the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) and the rollout of the Digital Switch Over (FreeTV) platform, which he said would promote responsible journalism, expand access to quality broadcasting, create jobs and strengthen efforts against misinformation.
The summit, convened by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, attracted journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital content creators, academics, communication professionals and policymakers from across the country.
Among dignitaries at the event were Abba Kabir Yusuf, representatives of the governors of Yobe State and Kebbi State, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, and the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahaya.
Cover Photo Caption, L-R: Representative of the Deputy President of the Senate; Senior Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga; Deputy Governor of Kano State, Hon. Sule Garo; Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, fnipr; Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf; Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Muktar Idi Maiha; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Malam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print and Radio (Office of the Vice President), Rahma Abdulmajid, during the Arewa Media Summit 2026, in Kano
